Infant carrier

ABSTRACT

An infant carrier includes a torso panel configured to be positioned adjacent to the torso of a wearer so as to support at least a portion of an infant&#39;s body therebetween, an adjustable waist band attached to a lower edge of the torso panel and configured to be secured around a waist of the wearer, and first and second elongated tie straps attached to the torso panel at opposite upper corners thereof and configured to be wrapped around the wearer and tied to one another to secure the infant carrier and infant in place. The torso panel includes first and second cinching adjustment mechanisms disposed on opposite sides thereof and configured to allow a height of the torso panel to be adjusted.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/631,477 filed on Feb. 15, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The field of the invention a s generally to infant carriers.

Babywearing is a care practice that has been practiced for thousands of year all around the world, and while different cultures have used different styles of carriers, the benefits have remained. Babies in carriers spend more time in what is considered a quiet, alert state, able to relax and take in the world around them while still being comforted and feeling safe. The child can observe how the wearer sees the world and more importantly, how they interact with it. This is optimal for mental development as it helps create an ideal state for learning and information processing. As most children feel safe and comfortable in their carriers, they cry significantly less—studies have shown as much as 43% overall and up to 54% less crying during evening hours, often referred to as “the Witching Hour” in parenting literature. Of course, this also leads to a less stressful experience tier the caregiver. The positioning on the chest of a caregiver can also help newborns learn to regulate their own breathing and temperatures, as well as triggering the caregiver's release of oxytocin, also known as “The Love Hormone” which is crucial in their ability to bond with the baby. Moving while wearing, even just walking around, simulates the movements the child experienced and became accustomed to in utero, helping make their transition after being born a little easier on them. This comfort, ease, and establishment of trust helps encourage a secure attachment, which helps foster a strong sense of independence later in life.

In addition to its emotional and mental developmental benefits, babywearing also provides significant physical developmental contributions. The seated squat position is ideal for development of hip sockets and joints, and being upright helps encourage neck and trunk control, which are necessary for physical developmental milestones such as rolling over, crawling, sitting unassisted, and more. Babywearing also helps combat Cervical Dystonia (commonly referred to as Torticollis) and Plagiocephaly (also known as Flat Head Syndrome), which are both often related to a child lying flat on their back instead of being upright. These conditions can require treatments such as injections, physical therapy, surgery, or expensive helmets to correct. Babywearing is often recommended early on to circumvent these issues or as part of a multifaceted comprehensive treatment plan.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an infant carrier including a torso panel configured to be positioned adjacent to the torso of a wearer so as to support at least a portion of an infant's body therebetween, an adjustable waist band attached to a lower edge of the torso panel and configured to be secured around a waist of said wearer, and first and second elongated tie straps attached to the torso panel at opposite upper corners thereof and configured to be wrapped around the wearer and tied to one another to secure the infant carrier and infant in place. The torso panel includes first and second cinching adjustment mechanisms disposed on opposite sides thereof, and configured to allow a height of the torso panel to be adjusted.

Optionally, the first and second cinching adjustment mechanisms each comprise a webbing strip sewn inside the torso panel and configured to be pulled, secured, and released through a ladder lock.

Optionally, the first and second elongated tie straps each have a length of at least seven feet.

Optionally, the infant carrier also includes a plurality of buckles configured to allow the infant carrier to be secured to a backpack accessory having complementary buckles.

Optionally, the plurality of buckles includes a first pair of buckles disposed respectively on the first and second elongated tie straps and a second pair of buckles disposed respectively on opposite sides of the adjustable waist band.

Optionally, each of the plurality of buckles is at least partially hidden behind a corresponding fabric pocket.

Optionally, the torso panel includes a hood removably disposed within a hood pocket.

Optionally, the hood pocket includes a zippered pocket.

Optionally, the infant carrier includes first and second hood hooks disposed respectively on the first and second elongated tie straps, and the hood includes first and second fabric loops configured to be attached respectively to the first and second hood hooks so as to secure the hood in an open configuration.

Optionally, the first and second elongated tie straps each include a spreadable shoulder portion.

Optionally, each of the first and second elongated tie strap has a tapered end portion.

Optionally, the infant carrier is configured to be usable from birth until about 35 pounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front views of an infant carrier according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the torso panel of the infant carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the portion of the infant carrier of FIG. 1 where one strap meets the torso panel;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the strap of the infant carrier of FIG. 1, showing one of the hidden strap buckles;

FIG. 6 shows a first side of a detachable backpack for use with the infant carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a second side of the detachable backpack of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a woman using the infant carrier of FIG. 1 to carry an infant in a rear carry.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a woman using the infant carrier of FIG. 1, with the backpack of FIG. 6 attached, to carry an infant in a front carry.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a woman using the infant carrier of FIG. 1 to carry an infant in a front carry.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a woman using the infant carrier of FIG. 1 to carry in infant in a front carry with the left spreadable shoulder spread to cup the woman's left shoulder.

FIG. 12 shows a tapered end portion of one of the straps of the infant carrier of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of infant carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the infant carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an infant carrier 100. The carrier 100 includes a torso panel 20 that is generally rectangular in shape. A lower edge of the torso panel 20 is connected to an adjustable waist band or belt 30 configured to be buckled around the waist of a wearer. A first end of the waist band 30 includes a female buckle member 32 and a second end includes a complementary male buckle member 34. First and second elongated tie straps 2 are secured at opposite upper corners of the torso panel 20. Straps 2 can be wrapped around a wearer's body in a variety of configurations and tied together to secure the carrier 100 to the wearer. Straps 2 are preferably at least 7 feet in length to accommodate a variety of wearers of different sizes and to allow the carrier 100 to be worn in a variety of different configurations. Straps 2 include a spreadable shoulder portion 1 that is preferably padded to provide additional comfort for the wearer. The spreadable shoulder portion 1 can be spread to cup the wearer's shoulder to help distribute the weight of the child. FIG. 4 shows how spreadable shoulder portion 1 can be formed by folding strap fabric over itself accordion-style at the point of attachment to the torso panel 20.

Straps 2 are preferably wide enough to be used as an additional layer of support for the child or to provide an extra layer of warmth if needed. Preferably however, straps 2 are not so wide as to be confusing or a hindrance to the wearer. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 12, the straps free outer ends may be tapered such that a width of the free outer ends is less than a width of the intermediate portions of the straps.

Waist band 30 includes an easily accessible zippered pocket 8 that a wearer can use to hold, e.g., a cellphone, diaper, keys, or other essential small items.

A sleep and sun hood 3 is provided in a zippered hood pocket 4 disposed on torso panel 20 proximate its upper edge. Hood 3 can be curved to limit the hood's bulkiness when rolled or tucked into the pocket 4 and also to keep the child covered without affecting the comfort of the wearer. Hood and hood pocket can also provide additional neck support to the wearer. Hood 3 includes fabric loops 15 that can be secured to hood hooks 5 on straps 2 to secure the hood 3 in place when in use.

Carrier 100 can be provided with a detachable bag or backpack accessory 150 (see FIGS. 6-7). Carrier 100 can be provided with four hidden strap buckles 6 for attaching the backpack 150. Two strap buckles 6 are provided on straps 2 for attaching to an upper portion of the backpack, and two strap buckles 6 are provided on waistband 30 for attaching to a lower portion of the backpack. Backpack 150 is provided with four complementary buckles 152. Buckles 6, 152 can be spaced to provide ideal support and comfort for the wearer without interfering with the position of the child. When not in use, buckles 6 can be tucked neatly under fabric pockets 61 to hide them from wandering child hands and mouths, as well to keep the appearance of the infant carrier sleek and streamlined.

Dual cinching adjustment mechanisms 9 are provided on respective first and second sides of torso panel 20 to facilitate optimal adjustment and comfort. Adjustment mechanisms 9 can be webbing strips 17 sewn inside torso panel 20 and configured to be pulled, secured, and released through a ladder lock 18. Adjustment mechanisms 9 allow a height of torso panel 20 to be adjusted as desired. The torso panel's soft fabric and the ability to adjust the panel's height allow the panel to be adjusted to suit a newborn infant and grow accordingly with the child, ensuring a safe and comfortable fit at every stage.

Advantageously, infant carrier 100 is configured to be used in a variety of configurations. FIGS. 8-11 show a wearer W using the infant carrier 100 in a variety of configurations to carry an infant I. Exemplary configurations and instructions for their use are described below.

Front Carry

1. Pick up the carrier, warning label facing you, and place the inside of the waistband on your hips or around your waist, depending on comfort, and buckle the clip behind you, then pull the slack taut.

2. Pick up the child, and bring them to the center of your body, supporting their spine, neck and head as needed.

Legs in: If the child is small and prefers to remain in the curled up position, as you bring up the panel of the carrier ensure that their ankles are now below their bottom so that when they sit they are not sitting on their feet. Center them in the panel and bring your first strap over your shoulder, still supporting the child's bottom with the other hand.

Legs out: if the child will be sitting legs out, as you bring the panel between their legs and up their back, ensure that they are seated in the center of the carrier, knees even on both sides and well supported. Then bring the first strap over your shoulder, still supporting the child's bottom with the other hand.

3. Toss the second strap over your shoulder, and then make sure that it is flat and untwisted.

If you are crossing the straps to make an x across your back, reach behind and grab a strap with the hand opposite from the shoulder it is over, then pull it taut. Keeping it tight, bring it around to place that hand under the child's bottom to maintain support. Then use the other hand to then grab the remaining strap, ensure it is lying flat, and pull it taut, meeting the first hand at the panel.

If you are wearing the carrier rucksack style, grab the first strap with the hand of the same shoulder it is laying over, using the other hand to support the child's bum and spine. After ensuring it is flat and untwisted, bring it under your arm and holding it taut, using that hand to support the child's back and spine, then repeat with the other arm, bringing it to the front of the carrier.

4. To finish the carry, you can tie off in a full knot under the child's bottom. If you have excess length/desire to do so, you can cross the straps on the child's bottom, making an X, and then bring the tails of the strap under the leg before bringing it back behind you to tie in a double knot.

Back Carry (For 6 m+ and Able to Sit Unassisted)

1. Pick up the carrier, warning label facing you, and place the waistband centered on your back, securing around your waist or hips as desired, then buckle the clip in front of your torso and pull the slack taut.

2. Pick up your child and, holding them under the armpits, place them on your hip. Using one arm to secure them on your hip, use the others to reach behind you and put a hand on their leg, then gently slide them from your hip to your back, at all times having at least one hand to help secure the child.

3. After they are centered on your back, without removing your hand used to secure, bring the panel between their legs and up across their back, bringing one strap over your shoulder.

If you are crossing the carrier to put an x across your chest, hold the first strap tightly, ensuring it is flat, then bring it across your chest and pass it to the hand holding on to the child's bottom. Then using your freehand, grab the remaining strap and bring it back across your body, creating the X on your chest.

If you are using the carrier ruck style, grab the strap with the same hand as the shoulder it is over, ensuring it is taut and flat, and bring it around behind you and using that hand to hold it tight and secure the child's bottom. Then repeat this process with the ether strap with the opposite arm, meeting the other arm in the back.

4. You may now tie a full knot under the child's bottom. If you have excess length/desire to do so, you can use the remaining strap length to cross the straps across the child's bottom, making an X that ends under their legs, bringing the straps back around to your front and tying off with a full knot.

Hip Carry (For 4-6 m With Good Head Control)

1. Bring the carrier up, warning label facing you, and set it up against your hip of choice, and secure the buckle and pull out any extra slack, and then move it slightly forward.

2. Pick up your child and set them on your hip above the carrier, then bring the panel up and center it to your child, ensuring their legs are even on either side, and use the hand of the hip they are on to support the child.

3. Bring the strap of the opposite arm over that shoulder and using your free hand, ensure it's flat and bring it the hand supporting the child's bottom. Then use that same free hand to grasp the opposite strap, and instead of bringing it over that shoulder, bring it under your armpit and across your back, creating an X shape and bring it back around front to meet the other hand.

4. Here you may tie a full knot and complete the carry. If you have excess fabric, create an X across the child's bottom where the ends come under the child's legs, then bring the straps around and tie them either behind your back or on the opposite hip in a double knot, per your preference.

Forward Facing Out Instructions (For 4 m+ With Good Head Control)

1. Bring the carrier up to your waist or hips, warning label facing you, and secure the buckle, pulling the webbing until it's snug.

2. Pick up the child, holding them facing out against your torso, and bring the panel up between their legs and centering in on your torso, then hold the panel with the child, keeping the child supported at all times.

3. Use your free hand to toss the long straps over your shoulders, one at a time, then grabbing the one opposite your free arm and pulling the strap across your back so that it touches the opposite hip, then bring it around so that one hand is supporting the baby's torso while you repeat the movement on the opposite side, creating a smooth X across your back.

4. Once each strap is pulled flat and taut, create an X shape across the torso, bringing each side over that leg and then under the opposite, making sure the straps are spread wide to help create and maintain a seat, then tie the straps off in a double knot behind your back.

If there is not sufficient length to tie behind the wearer's back, consider instead of crossing the straps behind your back pulling them straight down “backpack style” to tie in front, or when wearing the straps instead of going above the legs, go directly under and tie a double knot.

To Remove the Child From the Carrier:

In any position, to remove the child from the carrier, untie the knot with both hands and as soon as it begins to loosen, place one hand on the child to support their head, neck, and spine. Use the free hand to untie the straps and remove the panel without losing the support, then put the child down before removing the waist buckle. In the case of the back carry, after removing the panel but still supporting the child, gently slide them back around to your hip and then set them down.

Adjusting Panel Size:

When using this carrier with a smaller baby, use the adjustment mechanisms on each side of the panel so as to not entirely cover the baby and block their face from view. If/when baby wants their legs out, cinch the base of the panel with your hand to create a seat with a good m position, ensuring their knees are above their bottom.

Spreading vs. Bunching the Straps:

For extra support with a heavier child or for extra warmth, you can spread the fabric of the shoulder straps, starting with cupping the shoulders and spreading all the way down to the tie off. For less support with a smaller child or for less layers in the heat, feel free to bunch the fabric of the straps so it is not spread.

Preferably the infant carrier is configured such that it can be used from birth (8 lbs. or as approved by a physician if the child has outstanding medical conditions to consider such as premature birth, Oxygenation issues, a g-tube, or other items to be addressed). Infant carrier 100 can be cinched down both in height with dual side adjusters, and also uses a soft fabric that can be cinched horizontally for an ultimately customizable fit to ensure the safety and comfort of the child from day one. This provides the ability use the hood and use the long straps for extra side support as needed without making the wearer or child hot, or adding additional bulk that might impede a comfortable and secure fit.

In addition to being able to ensure a safe and comfortable fit for the child every time, infant carrier 100 can also allow for a personalized fit for caregivers of all shapes and sizes. Not only is it desirable to be able to be accessible for as many people as possible, but as postpartum bodies are often in flux it is desirable that the caregivers be able to use the carrier for a long time and through multiple phases. In certain embodiments, the waistband can be configured to accommodate a diameter of up to 60 inches comfortably and as low as 25 inches. The lengthy tie traps which may be, for example, 12 feet in length, preferably allow for multiple passes to tie in the back for more petite wearers, but are also safe and comfortable enough to be tied in front for any who might prefer it. The placement of where the straps and the carrier panel meet is carefully considered to accommodate wearers with broader shoulders, but still without slipping or sliding off those with a narrower frame. As to not sacrifice comfort for function, the waistband preferably includes a thick, dense padding to enhance comfort, and the shoulder straps feature padding near the shoulder cap to keep it from digging into the wearer, even with a heavier child. In certain embodiments, infant carrier 100 can be configured to be usable with a child of up to about 35 pounds, providing excellent longevity of use.

While the fabric used for the carrier 100 is preferably smooth and soft to the touch, the fabric can be, for example, a sturdy 100% combed cotton with the same buckles and webbing used on heavy duty camping backpacks to make sure that it will hold up to heavy wear, including repeated washes. The cotton, buckles, and padding are preferably selected so as to be washer safe and hang dry to make sure that it is a carrier that can be used again and again without having to risk comfort, safety, or appearance.

For the storage of bigger items, the carrier preferably includes attachable backpack 150, conveniently connected by a set of buckles to prevent having multiple straps to try to maneuver around and comfortably accommodate. Not requiring the use of multiple straps can be advantageous as such straps can be uncomfortable for the wearer and uncomfortable or even risky for the child in the carrier, as they can pose a choking or strangulation hazard. Preferably the backpack attachment is also a full size backpack. When not connected, the attachment buckles on the carrier body are discreetly tucked under fabric pockets to keep the appearance streamlined and smooth. The use of a detachable backpack can facilitate customer personality and customization by allowing the owner to mix and match colors, patterns, and designs to their preference and personal taste.

Preferably the backpack can feature an insulated section for medications, food, premade bottles, and ice packs to help further the convenience for families on the go. The packaging can also include a wetbag, used to store wet or soiled items and keep them contained, as accidents are a part of daily life for caregivers. This is also why the backpack preferably contains a water resistant pad for diaper changes, clothing changes, or even as a small play mat should the need arise. The backpack may also be provided with pockets for water bottles on the outside.

Exemplary embodiments of infant carriers are described above in detail. The apparatus and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of apparatus and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An infant carrier comprising: a torso panel configured to be positioned adjacent to the torso of a wearer so as to support at least a portion of an infant's body therebetween; an adjustable waist band attached to a lower edge of the torso panel and configured to be secured around a waist of said wearer; and first and second elongated tie straps attached to the torso panel at opposite upper corners thereof and configured to be wrapped around the wearer and tied to one another to secure the infant carrier and infant in place; wherein the torso panel comprises first and second cinching adjustment mechanisms disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the first and second cinching adjustment mechanisms are configured to allow a height of the torso panel to be adjusted.
 2. The infant carrier according to claim 1, wherein the first and second cinching adjustment mechanisms each comprise a webbing strip sewn inside the torso panel and configured to be pulled, secured, and released through a ladder lock.
 3. The infant carrier according to claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated tie straps each have a length of at least seven feet.
 4. The infant carrier according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of buckles configured to allow the infant carrier to be secured to a backpack accessory having complementary buckles.
 5. The infant carrier according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of buckles comprises a first pair of buckles disposed respectively on the first and second elongated tie straps and a second pair of buckles disposed respectively on opposite sides of the adjustable waist band.
 6. The infant carrier according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of buckles is at least partially hidden behind a corresponding fabric pocket.
 7. The infant carrier according to claim 1, wherein the torso panel comprises a hood removably disposed within a hood pocket.
 8. The infant carrier according to claim 7, wherein the hood pocket comprises a zippered pocket.
 9. The infant carrier according to claim 7, wherein first and second hood hooks are disposed respectively on the first and second elongated tie straps, and wherein the hood comprises first and second fabric loops configured to be attached respectively to the first and second hood hooks so as to secure the hood in an open configuration.
 10. The infant carrier according to claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated tie straps each comprise a spreadable shoulder portion.
 11. The infant carrier according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second elongated tie straps comprises a tapered end portion.
 12. The infant carrier according to claim 1, wherein the infant carrier is configured to be usable from birth until about 35 pounds. 